Störpegel

Störpegel is a German technical term used in signal processing and telecommunications to denote the level of unwanted signals or interference present in a system, relative to a reference signal. It serves as a measure of how strongly disturbances can degrade performance in receivers, sensors, or communication links. The concept appears in German electronics literature alongside related quantities such as the signal-to-noise ratio and the interference-to-signal ratio. In practice, the Störpegel is typically expressed in decibels and often as the difference between the power of the interfering signal and the power of the desired signal, or in absolute units within a prescribed bandwidth.

Measurement and interpretation: Störpegel is determined by analyzing the spectrum or time-domain signal with suitable instrumentation, such as spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, or radiometers. Measurements are performed under specified conditions (frequency, bandwidth, modulation) to ensure comparability. In electromagnetic compatibility and regulatory testing, allowable Störpegel defines the maximum permissible level of external disturbance that a device may tolerate without functional degradation.

Applications: A low Störpegel is essential for reliable demodulation in radio receivers and for maintaining data integrity in digital links. Standards and specifications may set limits on the acceptable Störpegel or require a level of isolation between channels. Engineers reduce the Störpegel through filtering, shielding, careful grounding, and antenna design to improve robustness to interference.

See also: SNR, SINR, interference, electromagnetic compatibility, spectrum management.